I can’t say too much about the show so far, cuz I was out walking the dog. I’m dog sitting. I used to want a dog. Not so much anymore. 😉

You guys get the ball rolling. I’ll jump in later. 😀

SPOILERS!!!

Well, it’s finally the end of the road for Bill and he went out with style and class. So, who’s going to win it all tomorrow?? Could be anyone. But after tonights performances, I’m leaning toward a final two of Amber and Jack. But Jack has an uphill battle. As of right now, Jack needs more than 30,000 votes per million votes cast to beat Amber. He needs 22,000 to get past Corbin. Corbin’s road is much more manageable in that he only needs 8,500 votes per million votes cast to beat Amber.

After Jack’s freestyle, he could do it. What does the fusion dance do to the margins?? Assuming that Corbin and Amber each get a 30 and Jack gets a 28? It does very little to the margin. Lowers it by about 2k.

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

Well so far the judges choices have been … odd. Bill was the same as before, Corbin did worst than before in my eyes.. And so did Jack (sadly) . I don’t get why they didn’t give them different music like they have done in the past…

Leslie – normally they do the same style to a different song than before. They have switched it up this season. The only time they repeat the same exact dance with music and all, is when they do the “favorite dance of the season” (which i miss)

I’m surprised but in my opinion Corbin did not have the best free style. Don’t ever do a MJ dance!! People have seen it so many times in TV shows, commercials and all the dedications to MJ that it looks repetitive.
Love Jack and Cheryl theme,not that original but it was different from the rest.
Happy that Amber brought in stepping and for people who think its just clapping, see how much difficulty Derek was having with it.

I love all 3. Corbin doesn’t excite me has he should because I put too much expect but he’s great at what he does. Amber is just all kinda of awesome and she’s a star. She works that dance floor every time she steps on it. Jack has won me over with his adorableness. He has such a great story that he can really win it all. I would love for a girl to win because she was the last standing but if Corbin and Jack do. Well deserved all around.

Anyway–I thought Amber and Jack’s freestyles were insane! I liked Corbin’s too, but I felt that for some of the tricks Karina put in, they were like weird spaces in the choreography. It didn’t seem to flow as well as Karina’s choreo usually does–but maybe that’s just me. Corbin’s a terrific dancer, though.

Jack was breakin’ my heart tonight–what a cool guy, and his freestyle was sweet!! Loved it. I’m impressed with Cheryl this season. Good to have the old Cheryl (kinda) back 🙂

And Amber…Whaaaat, that was some serious dancing!! And it’s important to note that AMBER danced wonderfully–of course, the choreography was out of this world too, but she totally lived up to it and more. She just…I don’t even know. I thought her freestyle was awesome.

I LOVED Jack!!! That was so good. Whoever decided to give pair him up with Cheryl was a genius.

Loved Corbin, but I really only loved his quickstep. Maybe I’m crazy, but I thought it was a huge improvement from the first time he danced it. But then again, I loved the routine the first time (and my god, Karina is GORGEOUS) so in my opinion, it couldn’t have been better 😀

I will say though, his freestyle didn’t really do it for me. Like people have already said, the obvious comparison to MJ doesn’t really help. It just felt a bit slow? And not nearly sharp enough?

Loved Amber! Girl knows how to command an audience. I was confused about them redoing the Charleston though. I mean, I thought they did well, and Amber did look sharper, but on the whole I couldn’t really tell the difference between this time and the first time they did it.

Bill!!! That freestyle was just fantastic. Huge congrats to Bill for making it this far, AND TO EMMA for being an absolute doll this season! This was a fantastic partnership, and that goes for all the couples in the finale. Whoever did the pairing up this season should be proud. (Well, except for maybe Val and Elizabeth. That partnership was just a little off.)

I loved Jack’s freestyle. I’d be fine with him doing a Warren Sapp and taking 2nd. Amber, IMO, had the best freestyle. It was just choreographed so well, she dominated that stage, it was challenging, exciting, and just awesome. She deserves to win.

I agree with you Marlene! Except, like others said here, Corbin fell flat for me. It really did seem shorter than the rest and I wasn’t that impressed with the trampoline trick – it seemed like it would be bigger after watching the package, like they’d be bouncing off the floor or something.

My heart is torn between Amber and Jack. Jack really crept up on me the last few weeks and the freestyle was so perfect for him. I think Cheryl has redeemed herself (finally) from Gilles’ freestyle fiasco. And Amber was really outstanding. Such star power. I agree with Len (and I don’t say that often, lol) – I couldn’t take my eyes off of her!!!

I’d be fine with Amber or Jack taking the win. I wonder though if the low jive and samba scores will knock him out. Then again, all Bill’s voters could swing to Jack. Wow, can’t wait for tomorrow night!

I swear this is the first season where I’ve felt content with any of them winning. At this point each of them deserve it in different ways.

I figured Bill was going home tonight based on scores from tonight but I think the all of their freestyles nailed it!

I must make note that I actually loved watching Cheryl this season. For the past few seasons she seemed a bit disconnected but I think her and Jack were a great partnership.

Corbin and Karina were always on fire and I was happy that he never settled for easy choreography because even though he may not have had all 30’s, his technique is flawless.

Amber and Derek were amazing. She brought it with her performances every week. I love how she embraces her body and can move it! The girl is hot!!

Bill and Emma were the heart of the show. I honestly don’t think the season would have been as joyful for me if they weren’t in it. Yes, he may not be the best technical dancer but he really is what this show is about and it’s a breath of fresh air seeing him enjoying himself week to week.

Amber slayed her freestyle!!!! Jack’s was full of heart and was so great!! Corbin didn’t impress me as much as I was hoping. I’m kind of tired of him though. I want it to come down to Amber & Jack, whoever takes the mirror ball deserves it.

Side note- #encoreamber is trending number one throughout the US! I wonder if it’ll be a repeat of last year- whoever gets the freestyle encore also gets the trophy? I sure hope so!!

AND I learned from last year that the trending encores don’t reveal a thing. Zendaya’s fans had her freestyle trending well into the night… and Kelly got the encore and the win.. It doesn’t matter. I’m starting to agree with Suri and Kristyn on Afterbuzz…

I’ve rooted for Amber since the first week. I’ll admit, I didn’t think she’d make the finals given that she was a big girl. I should’ve never underestimated the power of the Hough. I fully believe that had she been partnered with ANY other male pro, I don’t think she’d have gotten this far.
I’m just not that impressed with Corbin. Yeah, he can dance and Karina is an AMAZING choreographer but I don’t think he’s connected with the audience. Jack has done very well also. I think he has a good shot of winning it but I REALLY want Amber to win!!

Kellie’s freestyle was trending long into the night as well. Also, as big as Zendaya’s Twitter following/fanbase was, it wasn’t even a fifth of the total DWTS viewing audience. The general audience is the most important factor in the votes, since they outnumber any singular celeb’s fanbase.

…which is why I have the feeling Jack could take this thing. I’m thinking he appealed most to the general audience tonight — he certainly won me over 😉 I loved Amber’s freestyle, and Corbin was spot-on, as usual, but I feel like Jack put the most heart into his freestyle, and people respond to that. But really, I’d be cool with any of the final 3 taking it. Tonight was just a great show overall.

@Sara I agree that people getting the topic to trend on twitter, most don’t vote. And like I said in an earlier post. It seems like Jack’s to lose after tonight. He def had the best of the night. He reminds me of Rob Kardashian. He came out of no where. And I’d definitely be ok with him winning. As much as I’ve loved Corbin all season. Jack is getting the most love tonight.. Especially on FB.

I thought Jack was fine but we have seem that type of freestyle before. He dancing wasn’t great but can see fans loving it. Amber did something original. It was about her. Loved it. But wouldn’t surprise me if Jack snuck in and won though Jack winning would disappoint me. It would be like ?Melissa winning. A winner whose dances I barely remember.

Kristyn Burtt posted on Twitter an interesting q.. Will Corbin and Amber cancel each other out? and Will Bill’s fans vote for the Underdog? It does seem odd to me though that Bill has made it through all season and can’t make it to the final night.

I didn’t watch, but I would be mad if Jack ended up winning. Those Osbournes annoy me and I know Sharon and Kelly would make the whole moment about themselves. I just can’t stand those chicks. So, yeah. I guess I should prepare to be mad.

I think the way they went about choosing fusion dances for one another said a lot about the remaining couples and the warm regards and respect they have for one another. Truly a spectacular finale from 4 fantastic teams.

Bill has been genuine all along. I truly believe him when he said he didn’t have another dance in him. Bill and Emma went out on a high note with standing ovations, congratulations, respect from their peers and a 9! I couldn’t be happier for them!

And how lovely was Kellie with her excitement and gracious comments for all of the teams?!

Jack’s freestyle was sweet because of his story. Cheryl did similar style with Rob. Only Jack is more likeable. But seriously cannot get behind Jack winning dwts. Hope Corbin and Amber are the final 3.

I felt so bad for Jack when his first dance went a little wonky…so glad that he was able to brush it off and come back for a fun Samba relay and a great freestyle!

Bill…as always was a joy to watch…and I so have enjoyed Emma with him…what a great partnership…I am so glad they made it to the finals…and I think we will still get to see a dance from them tomorrow night since everyone returns right?!?!?!

Corbin is really good…and I have enjoyed he and Karina’s partnership too…There were things about his freestyle that I really liked…but there were moments that kind of surprised me too…felt a bit like there were lulls as they set up for the next trick…and that interrupted the flow of it for me…not bad…just not totally flowing imo.

Oh. My. Stars! Amber Riley was in the HOUSE! Totally loved it!!!! And PROPS to Derek for providing the BEST choreo for her! Man…that was fierce and fabulous!

So..I know I’ve said I would be happy with any of the four winning (although I have been voting for Amber and Derek)…but based on tonight’s performances – I think I would have to say 1st Amber, 2nd Jack and 3rd to Corbin!

Well, this season I’ve been MIA from the forums. Masters degree has been a b*tch! hahaha But here are my comments for the finals (and the season overall). This is how I think they’re going to finsih:

4) Bill & Emma – This guy is like that funny/uncomfortable uncle that everyone loves. I’m so happy that he got a chance to taste the finals. His spirit and confidence are mesmerizing. I’d love to watch my father dance like that. Emma is like the new Sharna. Lovable, smart, fancy and, added to all that, gorgeously British! Kuddos to her! She’s so going to be regular for a lot of seasons, I’m sure of that.

3) Corbin & Karina – Talented, handsome, hot and really good dancer. Even though his freestyle didn’t impressed me, all season long he has been giving powerful performances. It is obvious that he is not only enjoying the competition, he is growing as a professional entertainer. I’m so looking for him in a new Broadway show. Karina got her wish of dream partner and she took it wisely. Her choreography, staging and ideas were wonderful. But, I do think all the “he’s already a dancer” will bite them in the butt.

2) Jack & Cheryl – Sweetheart, smart, great dad and a Dancing Teletubbie (loved when Anna named him like that). I love that he’s taking a stand for what MS is and give awareness. And Cheryl… She just got me back, THANK YOU! She’s the Cheryl I felt in love with back in Season 2 with Drew. Their freestyle was AW-MAZING. Her tears and the shout out the judges gave her was the cherry on top. Great runner-up.

1) AMBER & DEREK – Yes, in capitals, there’s no way to type their names. I may be biased because I’m in love with Derek and I just wish to be like him (a perfect, handsome, kind, smart, hard-worker and a hell of a dancer), but damn, Ambeerr! I’ve been a gleek since the show started, but I wasn’t a huge fan of hers, I thought her character and acting skills were just meh, until Season 3 when she took center stage in some of the musical numbers. I wasn’t expecting that much from her and I thought that she was going to be that black spot on Derek’s record… How freaking wrong I was. I’ll never underestimate the power of the Hough and the sassyness, talent and skills of Amber. The Charlestone was perfect (I love her with the straight hair). But, man, that freestyle… Thank you, God, for giving Derek that much talent and creativity. This year he came up with two awesome freestyles and yet so different. The first one to show Kellie’s flexibility and that she does have an emotional connection with the dance; the second one to show Amber’s power, talent, leadership and great understanding of what she had to do. Two different dances, the same sense of partnership and trust.

Those are my two cents on this finale and season. I really really hope that Amber wins, or even Jack. But Amber is the one I’m rooting for, or as we say in México: Ella es mi gallo!

Cheers to this season, this amazing night and to all the mods from PureDWTS. Tequila for everyone!

I loved tonight’s finale. I liked Bill’s journey, but I just couldn’t see him taking the MBT home in the end. I, like many other commenters, had a hard time connecting with Corbin this season. But I was entertained by his freestyle and found it exciting to watch. It’s probably my favorite performance of his this season.

Although I’m voting for Amber, Jack’s freestyle had me giggling throughout the entire performance. I just felt so happy for them afterwards. Jack’s tears really got me. Cheryl did a great job with him this season.

I would not be unhappy at ALL if Jack ended up winning – I’m back to finding Cheryl to be my favorite female pro. She REALLY turned it around this season. Not only did I love her attitude, but she looked AMAZING.

That said…Jack’s first dance scored a 24. While he may kill it in votes, he has a bit of a hard row to hoe to actually win. If he DOES win, I will have to do a serious numbers post with research and all to see if someone with that big of a deficit has ever won before. This is why I get so annoyed with people saying that only the voting counts or “the judges scores mean squat” – THIS is why it’s not true. Jack will have to over come a margin of probably 22k at BEST. At worst, 30k. Unless Amber and Corbin really blow it tomorrow, it’s going to be HARD for Jack to win.

If he does win, it will be an amazing accomplishment and I will likely be a soggy mess either way. 🙂

Zendaya fans love to believe that it was rigged for Kellie, but Kellie was actually trending much longer than Zendaya was. And actually, it’s not the trending, but the number of tweets over the course of the night. A little math problem that Zen’s fans never seemed to grasp. And I would be careful putting that opinion on Kristyn – from what I’ve seen it belongs to Suri alone and she’s tight with Tony. Nuff said.

Heidi I just looked at every final three since season 1. No, there has never been someone that came from that far behind. The most a winner came from behind with was 2 point. (Shawn and Derek and JR and Karina) Normally after the front runner blew their freestyle. Jerry and Anna in season 2, got 2nd place after placing 6 points behind Stacey and Tony.

But the first round of dances… c’mon… the judging there was RIDICULOUS AGAIN! The discrepancy between Corbin and Amber’s repeat dances was such a made up story. I really don’t get it. No way was there a 3 point difference.

In my short history with the show, I never was a person to think that Derek and his partner are favored by the show, but tonight after the first round I really thought they have something against Corbin (especially compared to Amber).

and I’m sure Derek and his partner were “favored” when his quickstep with Shawn was slammed for “breaking the rules” in the all-star finale. I personally can’t really feel bad about the unfairness other couples experience when I put things into perspective. Anyway, I’m counting on the judges scores evening out between Amber and Corbin by the end of tomorrow night.

I’m surprised that Jack didn’t use better strategy than to give Corbin the Cha Cha and the Fox Trot. Did he forget that Corbin handily and easily won the Cha Cha challenge. It is also the easiest dance and of all the fusions – Cha Cha / Fox Trot will be the easiest. The Samba / Quick Step will be the toughest to blend. I think that Jack should have left the Cha Cha so maybe he would have gotten it.I’m rooting for Amber to win, Jack second and Corbin third. Great final. Loved all the rounds adn felt the scoring was fair on all counts. Good night of entertainment.

I have a sneaky suspicion that Jack is going to take it. I daresay he schooled the boys in Freestyle. He was just fantastic! Cheryl finally choreographed a Freestyle that I quote enjoyed. Thanks for pointing that out, PH, about how many votes he needs. I don’t know. He *might* be able to pull it off. I think that Freestyle was reminiscent of Donny Osmond’s really entertaining Freestyle.

Amber’s Freestyle?? Oh, I really enjoyed it and it was crazy in synch! I do think Amber shined tonight but something is telling me Jack is taking this. Gaaawwwwwd, who knows? I would love to see Amber win but won’t be surprised to see Jack win BUT they still have the Fusion to do, so who knows.

I thought Corbin was VERY good and was it just me or did the audience go the loudest for his Freestyle? I tweeted it was going to be hard to top it off but I think Jack (& Amber) did just so. This is going to be close!!!

As someone who used to have indifferent towards Derek and how I believed the show favoured him. I really don’t see it. This season a lot of my perspective towards him changed. Maybe it’s because of Amber or I’m REALLY paying attention him for the first time. I just don’t think so. He gets ragged on by the judges just as much as the rest of the Pros. Amber is charismatic enough to be liked. Corbin at times you think he’s 50/50.

But for me, Amber takes it. The freestyle was unique and downright remarkable for creativity/originality, precision, musicality, the star commanding the center of the dance while at the same time not missing.a beat with the pros.

Would be nice for Jack to win because of the life obstacles. He’s endearing, has a great attitude and worked hard. But no way his dancing comes close to Ambers in my opinion.

Corbin is a pro and his freestyle has been seen way too many times. Not original enough for me. Overall, Amber did the best dancing of the night. Corbin was slightly better in the Samba but Amber was good enough.

As for “the journey” aspect, they all had journeys which were meaningful in different ways. They all worked hard, they all improved, except for Corbin who started and ended the same. All just one person’s opinion here of course.

And as I interpreted the Afterbuzz comments, I agree that Suri was the only one with the not-so-positive opinion of Amber.

I don’t think Derek’s winning a fifth MBT not being “fair” should affect whether Amber wins or not but cant get rid of a nagging feeling she might lose some votes because of it.

My husband always refuses to vote and after seeing Derek’s and Amber’s freestyle, he asked me how to vote and voted on home phone, cell, ABC and Facebook for them.

I’m very much in the minority here, but I loved Corbin’s freestyle the most. I liked Jack’s next, then Amber and Bill the last. Having said that each one brought something different to the table and all were enjoyable. I have been a fan of both Corbin and Amber all season, but wanted all 4 of these to be in the final because they were different from each other and liked all their personalities.

All 4 of their first dances didn’t wow me and I was surprised that Amber received a perfect score for hers. For some reason I thought the camera angle seemed off, so for me it was hard to actually see the dance as well as I thought I should. I’m going to re-watch it again to see if I feel differently the second time.

I guess I expected more from Derek and Amber in the freestyle. Maybe it was because of what he choreographed for Kellie last season which left me breathless that I was let down. I never expected a routine that included “Stepping” (not sure if that is spelt right), and the fact that Amber who had it in high school had to teach it to Derek just surprised me. Not that I thought there was anything wrong with her doing that, but I have seen “Stepping” before and just is not my favorite dance. I know there were other parts to it, but still it just didn’t wow me.

I have no idea who is going to win and just hope that no one is disappointed in what my opinions of tonight are. There jmho.

In terms of freestyles, my ranking would be Jack, Corbin, Amber.
All three were well suited to the celeb – Amber performed the heck out of hers, Corbin danced the heck out of his…but for me, Jack didboth really well!

As I said previously, I really don’t care who wins as I truly believe all three are very deserving for varying reasons. For me, similar to All-Star season…and even if he didnt connect with the viewing audience (which now I’m starting to wonder bc they never put dude in jepoardy) Corbin wins the season. He definitely connected with the audience in the ballroom, and his are the dances I remember at the end of every night.

But the MBT isn’t usually a cumulative type of thing…so tommorow is really going to be interesting as it could really go either way. Howexciting!

*I can’t resist: as an African American woman it would AWESOME to see Amber win! Just sayin…lol!

According to a twitter analytics site , Amber is just killing everyone else COMBINED by tens of thousands of tweets so if twitter is anything to go by like last season, things are looking extremely good for her and Derek. Apparently Corbin is a very distant second followed by Jack. Interesting to see how that will correlate in the final standings. Even though Corbin has twice as many encore tweets than Jack, I get the feeling that Jack probably has more people voting for him overall so he may very well come in 2nd…I’m happy with whatever the outcome for all three couples 🙂

I loved Corbin and Karina’s freestyle and think they both did a fantastic job. But honestly, I liked her freestyle with JR a smidge more. That’s just personal taste, because I love the faster, more hop-hop types of routines better than jazzier/full of tricks types of numbers. Although I appreciate MJ’s music and his showmanship as one of the world’s best entertainers who’s ever lived, I just simply don’t like his music as much as many other kinds of music. But that was the perfect, PERFECT way to go for Corbin. Corbin needed to do this as opposed to a hip-hop routine.

And Jack blew me AWAY! Again, that was a perfect choice for a type of FS for him. Cheryl usually creates a great FS for her partners (besides that cluster f of the Flashdance for Gilles- yikes) and Jack nailed the choreography. SO happy with that dance.

Derek once again showed what a great choreographer he is, even if a lot of that was Amber’s own ideas. I think they did a great job, but it just wasn’t my fav of the night.

I don’t care how many times a pro wins – if Derek wants to win 17 trophies, if his partners dances are good enough, then he should win. I THINK it is gonna go Amber, Corbin, Jack. I’d LIKE it to go Corbin, Amber, Jack. But this I think is the first time in 13 seasons I’ve been watching that I actually would be happy for anyone winning. Usually there is one person of the 3 finalists I don’t care for or don’t want to win. This year I’m happy with all 3. So good luck to everyone.

I’m not really liking the idea that the final three couples have to come up with a fusion dance overnight. In the past they used to have the couples reprise a dance they themselves actually picked. Then, they had them do an instant dance.
These guys are exhausted. Cut them some damn slack show!

Having to overnight to New York to appear on GMA Wednesday morning after the stress of having to create, rehearse and perform the Fusion dance, they might have to roll them all in on stretchers.

I’m okay about Bill and Emma going out 4th and I think they are too. I love the father/daughter emotion we got from them.

I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed a DWTS finale as much as I enjoyed last night’s! All 4 couples were outstanding and downright LIKEABLE. I was rooting for all of the couples last night, and I think that’s a first for me. I can’t get over how refreshing and fun the show was, and I was just left feeling happy and thankful with the 4 partnerships that made it to the finale.

I’ve been a Bill fan all season long, and without a doubt it was his time to go. He left on a great note, and I love that he hung in there for the fans, but the guy looked like he was hurting and didn’t have another dance in him. What a great attitude and journey he has had, and it was so great to see someone with so much heart and a great spirit last this long. So much kudos to Emma! She has won my heart and I can’t wait to see her in seasons to come! I also really enjoyed Bill’s freestyle! Great concept, well-executed, and just overall fun.

Corbin and Karina have been great this season. There’s no denying Corbin is a star, but I wasn’t wowed by their freestyle. I guess my expectations were so high that it kind of just fell a little…flat? Their partnership is also the one I feel the least connected to. I think they get along great and are both very competitive, but that didn’t translate into an emotional connection for me. I thought the audience could’ve used a little more bonding moments between the two. But Corbin has such a bright future ahead of him!

Jack and Cheryl have had such an amazing journey and Jack can MOVE! When he and Cheryl broke down during the judges comments I just about lost it. My fiance and I have been voting for Bill all season long, and with the elimination my fiance couldn’t wait to vote for Jack! I, too, gave Jack some of my votes, but the majority went to…

Ms. Amber “Ber Ber” Riley! Oh my goodness, I was so blown away by her. Derek of course choreographed a great number that showcased her strengths and I just love that Derek lets his partners *shine*. Loved this pairing and I wasn’t sure what to expect from her when I first heard the cast announcement. Great journey she’s had and once the doctors told her that her knee was OK she really has just been a force to be reckoned with.

My votes were split between Amber and Jack, and I would be thrilled with either of them taking home that mirror ball. Overall I think this was one of my favorite finales to date and I just have to throw in one last thought: how amazing was the samba relay transition interaction between Bill and Derek?! Hilarious. Great friendships and respect amongst the 4 couples!

I liked Amber’s Freestyle. She didn’t just kill it only, she buried it, reanimated it and then killed it again. I loved her in it, however I have two reservations about the dance as whole.
The lighting seemed a bit too dark. Maybe somebody forgot to pay the electric bills in the ole saloon last night?
While I liked the male dancers in it I would have preferred to see a bit less of them. Maybe bring them in for the first third and the last third. The middle could have been all Derek and Amber. Or set them back a bit from Amber and Derek, like Cheryl did with the extra dancers in her and Jack’s Freestyle. I guess I just would have liked a little more Amber/Derek moments and not so many Amber/Derek/Dancing Cowpokes.

God know I love Karina. I find myself more awed by what she did in the Freestyle than by what Corbin did, if that makes sense. The fact that she, a world class Ballroom dancer could actually not only keep up with Corbin doing those iconic MJ moves but make me watch her more during it than her partner amazes and delights me.

Jack and Cheryl. You turned me in to a quivering lump of goo last night. The way he fought back and delivered that wonderful Freestyle really moved and inspired me.

@ Gail … I guess I’m in the minority with you. I loved all of Corbin and Karina’s performances and IMO) it was the best freestyle of the night. I have consistently voted for him and based on his dancing, I feel he should win the trophy.

But then there’s Jack. He’s not the best dancer but he touches my heart. Given the uncertainty of MS, in the future he may be in a wheelchair and never be able to dance again. I think it would be wonderful if he won the MB.

As for Amber, she’s a terrific dancer but IMO) not on the same level as Corbin. To be honest, when she danced, for the most part I would be looking at Derek. He’s so fabulous, in a class of his own.

I don’t think so, Anna. Usually Derek is on the receiving end of the crap. Corbin just wasn’t that sharp tonight, in fact I was shocked that he was a tad sloppy in places. I wouldn’t have given him 10s and there have been instances in the past where I thought he deserved them. I have a feeling they spent far more time on their freestyle.

But what do Corbin’s scores have to do with Derek? Absolutely nothing. Amber DID pick it up tremendously the second time around – just compare her legs from the first time to the second.

Frankly, if Jack wins, it will be (IMO) only the SECOND time in the history of the show that the freestyle has given someone a win. Most of the time it will blow your chances at a win. I think it’s rare that a great one gives someone a win when they might not otherwise have won.

But ya gotta remember that point deficit. That makes it tough. It’s not like last season where Kellie overcame a one point deficit to beat zendaya.

I thought part of the beauty and effect of Amber’s freestyle was how amazingly in sync they all were. That’s a hard thing to do with a novice and that many dancers. I think that’s why you saw more of them in the dance – that was part of the point. Amber owned that dance and wasn’t overshadowed by the pros at all and all were totally together.

@PH – Nothing against Derek and Amber. They owned that dance. But I expected that. As well as I expected Corbin to not get a perfect score on quickstep no matter what.

Where I think it’s unfair is in the choice of dances. It was clear beforehand that Charleston is a style that fits Amber. Why not give Amber the QS to repeat? There was a lot of room to improve there. Or why not give her the jive, a dance style she did not like?

But this is a wrong way to put things, and I admit that. Amber should have gotten Charleston, or any dance she liked for that matter. But I think Corbin should have gotten a dance style that he liked, and fit him as well. That’s all.

And one last comment, and this goes with all contestants and applies to the show… after celebrities bust their asses off the entire season, and earn a place in the finale, I think judges should reward that with positive comments… not things like “i don’t think you improved at all”. To me, this seems like a slap in the face to the celebrity’s efforts during the season, and to the pro for not being able to do a good job teaching.

I think the all of the re-do dances were pointless and rather dull. Only Amber’s and Bill’s really made me sit up and take notice. Amber’s for the energy and precision and Bill’s for the emotion.
You know what I wanted to see? Amber and Derek doing a Contemporary, or Karina and Corbin doing a Salsa.
I understand not letting any of the finalist do a Contemporary or Jazz on finale night but what about 3, 4 or 5 weeks ago? I just think if someone gets to do a Contemp. or a Jazz than everyone should have the opportunity to do it.
If they didn’t want to make the finalist learn four new dances this week instead of the three (Salsa Relay, Freestyle and tonight’s Fusion) then they could easily have made the Monday night show 1 hour. Haven’t they usually done that in the past?

I don’t want anyone to think that I didn’t enjoy Derek and Amber’s Freestyle. I was blown away by her performance. That’s the most fierce dancing I’ve ever seen by a contestant in a Freestyle ever. It just needed a few tweaks for me to call it A+.

That point you keep missing, Anna, is that NO ONE got to choose their own style. The judges picked dances they thought each should redo. Amber only got a 24 or her Charleston while Corbin got a 26 on his QS. So who was favored?? IMO, Corbin was, he just didn’t pull it off. Corbin was given a dance he did rather well the first time around, SO, he should have been able to improve upon it easily. But he didn’t – and I think that was abundantly clear last night.

I think you are the one that is seeing what you want to see, here. You want to see a conspiracy where there is none. Amber being the only one to improve is not the result of getting an easier dance, it’s because she was the only one to actually improve – and it was very noticeable.